SHOPPING GUIDE FOR BEST ELECTRIC CHAINSAWS

The best electric chainsaws offer definite advantages over their gas-powered counterparts. They're light, quiet, better for the environment, and easy to start. Arguably, they offer a greater choice of size and power than gas-powered chainsaws, too. But this wide range of options can present problems. It's tough to know how to choose the best electric chainsaw for your own needs.

Sure, stores and manufacturers offer plenty of advice, but what about an independent view? That's where the BestReviews team steps in.

We never accept manufacturer samples; we go out and buy the products we want to test. Then we take them to our BestReviews lab and put them through their paces. And though we're tough on our test products, we try not to break them so we can donate them to charity when we’re done.

The chainsaws in our product matrix, above, are all quality products that we highly recommend. What follows below is an in-depth look at the electric chainsaw market. If you need help picking the right tool for your needs, please read on.

The Stihl company is known for its gas-powered chainsaws, and Andreas Atihl was the first to also patent the electric chainsaw in 1926.

CORDED VS CORDLESS

Perhaps the most important decision when choosing an electric chainsaw is whether to go for a corded or cordless model.

Advantages of corded chainsaws

Corded Electric Chainsaw Pros

Plastic models are lightweight (as little as five or six pounds)

No gas or oil to carry around

No harmful emissions

Can be very cheap

Easy to start: plug in and pull the trigger

Quiet enough to be used where noise could be a problem

Low-maintenance

Top models rival the cutting power of small/medium gas models

Disadvantages of corded chainsaws

Corded Electric Chainsaw Cons

Although some electric corded models are made of plastic, others are made of steel. High-end steel models may be more robust, but there’s a weight penalty. At eleven pounds and upward, there can be little to choose between corded, cordless, and gas.

Speaking of cords, we must also point out that fact that they can get tangled, which is both frustrating and dangerous when you’re using a chainsaw. And because there’s a 15-amp maximum in home electrical sockets, you’re somewhat limited. Furthermore, it’s a pain to deal with an extension cord, and you cannot carry your electric corded model more than 100 feet away from the source because of current drop. (Resistance in the cable soaks up power.)

Like most things, corded electric chainsaws run the gamut in terms of quality. A cheap corded electric chainsaw is certainly tempting, but it may present you with durability issues down the road.

Advantages of cordless chainsaws

Cordless Electric Chainsaw Pros

No gas, oil, or cord to lug around

Easy to start: connect battery, pull trigger

Quiet

Low-maintenance

No harmful emissions

Disadvantages of cordless chainsaws

Cordless Electric Chainsaw Cons

Cordless electric chainsaws tend to weigh more than their corded counterparts due to the addition of the battery. The average tool weighs 10 to 15 pounds, in fact. If you get one, you’ll be paying this weight penalty, and you’ll also probably be paying a bit more for the chainsaw itself. Cordless electrics are not as cheap as many corded models.

Furthermore, a cordless model is generally less powerful than its corded equivalent. Even if you opt for one of the most powerful (and priciest) cordless models, its run time is typically limited to 60 minutes or less. Recharge times can be long, although the best cordless electric chainsaws can recharge in as little as 30 minutes. An extra set of batteries could be helpful in this situation, but batteries are expensive.

Many manufacturers now make batteries that fit a range of different tools. If you're thinking of buying a cordless electric chainsaw, you might want to check what other devices you can plug the battery into.

ELECTRIC CHAINSAW SIZES

Chainsaw are generally rated by their bar size (the metal plate the chain runs around). The question is, which size should you buy? We spoke to Luke, BestReviews’ expert landscaping and gardening consultant, for his thoughts on the matter.

The size of chainsaw you need depends on the types of tasks you wish to complete. Luke advised us that any electric chainsaw with a bar under 12 inches would only be suitable for trimming bushes and very small tree limbs. If you’re looking to cut limbs that are several inches in diameter or firewood that won’t need splitting after you cut it, a 14-inch electric chainsaw would be a good bet.

If you want a chainsaw for “general purposes,” a 16-inch model could be suitable. This length is a practical minimum for actual tree felling. Anything larger than 18 inches, Luke said, is almost certainly gas-powered. And truth be told, most homeowners would never need an electric chainsaw with a bar larger than 18 inches.

Make sure you perform regular maintenance of the saw — clean the chain and sprocket area periodically, and check for wear and tear on the chain, blade and sprocket.

ELECTRIC CHAINSAW FEATURES

With instant starting and no gas or oil to mix, an electric chainsaw is already quite a straightforward tool. But manufacturers of top-quality models offer additional features that can make your life even easier.

Features

Automatic Oiling System

While the maintenance demands of an electric chainsaw are few, it still requires regular oiling. On some models, this is achieved manually by pressing a button. However, an automatic oiling system is far superior and makes for a longer chain life.

Features

Tool-less Chain Tensioner

The chain will also need to be tightened from time to time. Tool-less adjustment is faster and more convenient than completing the task by hand.

Features

Current Limiter

Some electric chainsaws come with current limiters that prevent you from burning out your motor if there’s a risk of overload.

Features

Brushless Motor

This type of motor is very quiet and durable.

You’ll be wearing gloves when you use your chainsaw. For this reason, a model with plenty of room around the handles and triggers is ideal.

ELECTRIC CHAINSAW PRICES

With the enormous variety of electric chainsaws available, it's difficult to put machines into accurate price ranges. The following is a rough guide based on the latest research, but it will likely change. This is particularly true for cordless chainsaw prices, as battery technology continues to improve and costs continue to drop.

$50 - $70 will buy you a cheap, corded electric chainsaw that can handle modest trimming tasks and occasional limbs a couple of inches diameter.

$90 - $120 will get you a good, entry-level, corded all-rounder — a machine that's perfectly adequate for the average small to medium garden.

$120 - $200 will cover the cost of some premium cordless products and a wide range of very good corded machines.

$250+ will fetch you a top-rated corded chainsaw or one of the most powerful cordless versions. These tools will cope with the needs of just about every homeowner. This price range also covers the realm of high-quality gas chainsaws, so if you've got a lot of regular work to do, we recommend that you think critically about whether a gas chainsaw would be a better option for you.

Be sure that tension is maintained in your chainsaw. (1) Make sure the chain is cool. (2) Loosen the two guide bar nuts on the machine. (3) Turn the tension screw to either tighten or loosen the chain as needed. (4) Leave a gap of about 1/8th of an inch between the chain and the groove edge.

ELECTRIC CHAINSAW SAFETY

Always make sure the chain brake is on when you start your chainsaw.

Always wear gloves and a face shield when you use your chainsaw.

If you’re using a corded model, be aware of where the cord is at all times. Stop the machine immediately if the cord snags or tangles. You don't want to trip over it or cut it.

Make sure that the chain is properly tensioned.

Never work with a worn or damaged chain.

If your extension cord grows hot, it's not the proper amp rating, and you run the risk of burning out the motor. Consult an expert for the correct fit.

Cheap electric chainsaws often come with inferior blades. Performance can be drastically improved with a better one.

For many homeowners, an electric chainsaw is the best solution. They're less intimidating than gas models because they're quieter, lighter, and easier to use. They may lack the power of high-end gas models, but unless you're cutting trees or logs regularly, they offer the most sensible and economical solution in most cases. What's more, with such a vast array of electric chainsaws available, there should be one out there that's perfect for you.